Big SUVs in the city??

[Joe Doer]

I think more people drive bigger SUVs or pickups because of the need to haul a big family, pets, and either a boat or camper. I drive a GMC Duramax diesel because I pull a 5000 pound boat. When I do not need that power or size, I drive my Escape Hybrid. Most cannot afford having two vehicles to choose from, so maybe it has to be the SUV. They still might get more mileage per passenger than a Prius.

[tobester]

Originally Posted by Joe Doer

They still might get more mileage per passenger than a Prius.

Always my argument to those who ask how I can afford to drive a Suburban - with six passengers most of the time, I get 90-100 passenger miles/gallon. And my passengers are quite comfortable and quite safe.

[seattlenextyear]

I love the passenger argument. If you didn't drive an SUV, then surely your 6 month old would be driving their own car!

[evergraystate]

Considering how awful the pavement is around here, I almost wish I had an SUV.

[happyhunting]

Considering how awful the pavement is around here, I almost wish I had an SUV.

Unfortunately my SUV feels every little bump in the road. Very bouncy ride. Can't wait to trade it out for a smaller car.

[Joe Doer]

Originally Posted by seattlenextyear

I love the passenger argument. If you didn't drive an SUV, then surely your 6 month old would be driving their own car!

That six month old in your Prius lets you drive in the carpool lane. Is a that baby creating a carpool situation?

[happyhunting]

Always my argument to those who ask how I can afford to drive a Suburban - with six passengers most of the time, I get 90-100 passenger miles/gallon. And my passengers are quite comfortable and quite safe.

I love the passenger argument. If you didn't drive an SUV, then surely your 6 month old would be driving their own car!

I don't see where it says he has a 6 month old, but where he says he has 6 passengers. Plus driver that equals 7 people, and a smaller 5 passenger car would require two cars to be on the road to haul that same amount of people. I know many families with 6, 7 or more kids, and the option is one big van, suburban etc.....or each parent driving a vehicle. Although I am looking forward to getting rid of my SUV for a smaller more fuel efficient and environmentally friendly car, I've spent the last 10 years car pooling with other parents and take up to 6 kids at a time. There are trade offs......

[BobCatson]

Why are people saying "you'll be fine" with an SUV in the city?
Most parking spaces are designed for compacts. I understand that people with big cars need to park too, but, unless you're good at parking in tight spaces, you're probably going to find yourself challenged in finding a spot.
Seattle has some hilly, narrow streets (not all streets, but some are), with lots of crosswalks. Lots of stop and go traffic, which doesn't help gas consumption.

You're better off going with a station wagon (a Volvo wagon would be pretty solid) or something lower to the ground and less bulky. Not saying you can't maneuver through the city with an SUV, many people do, it's just, if you're worried about it in the first place, it might not be the best idea.

[Molly N.]

I drive my highlander aroud the city all the time and I am fine. YES it is smaller then a big SUV but I still am ok. Is it as easy as our Yaris? NO. but I also can't do as much with that like you said. If you dont want to put the money out to change then don't. Where there is a will there is a way. I have done just fine in the city. Most of the street parking is taken and I have gound out sometimes its even cheep just to park in the garage then the street. down at the aquarium it's that way...

Good luck!

[Malloric]

Originally Posted by BobCatson

Why are people saying "you'll be fine" with an SUV in the city?
Most parking spaces are designed for compacts. I understand that people with big cars need to park too, but, unless you're good at parking in tight spaces, you're probably going to find yourself challenged in finding a spot.
Seattle has some hilly, narrow streets (not all streets, but some are), with lots of crosswalks. Lots of stop and go traffic, which doesn't help gas consumption.

You're better off going with a station wagon (a Volvo wagon would be pretty solid) or something lower to the ground and less bulky. Not saying you can't maneuver through the city with an SUV, many people do, it's just, if you're worried about it in the first place, it might not be the best idea.

Not at all true. Seattle's municipal code ensures that there will always be plenty of parking for large SUVs. A certain number (between 35-75%) of parking spots for commercial/mixed-use buildings are required to be for large vehicles. Even a full-size SUV will easily fit in the at least 19 foot parking slots.

Seriously, people all hilarious about SUVs. A Highlander is substantially smaller than a Ford Taurus or Toyota Avalon. It's basically the size of a Toyota Camry. Slightly shorter shorter than a Camry and slightly wider. It's really not that hard. Hundreds of thousands of people have absolutely no problem maneuvering their Camry through American cities.